The Design and Analysis of Spectrum-Splitting Hybrid CSP-CPV Solar Collectors

Summary: Sponsored by the Arpa-E agent under Department Of Energy (DOE), we developed a novel kind of solar receiver for parabolic troughs. The technology uses novel secondary optics in a solar receiver to achieve high efficiency at high temperature, collects heat in particles for high temperature and low fire danger, stores heat in particles instead of molten salt for low cost, and uses double junction (2J) photovoltaic (PV) cells with backside infrared (IR) reflectors on the secondary optical element to raise exergy efficiency. It delivers significant enhancement to established, bankable trough technology, and exceeds the heliostat power tower molten salt temperature limit. The use of inert particles for heat transfer fluid make parabolic trough safe near population centers and valuable for industrial facilities at even higher temperatures than today.